Don’t use this silver-cleaning hack on pearls, opals and these other stones

Former MasterChef India winner Pankaj Bhadouria recently recommended a kitchen hack to clean tarnished silver jewelry and silverware using household items. The process involves soaking the silver in hot water mixed with salt and baking soda, which is explained to be based on a chemical reaction between the silver and aluminum. Baking soda and salt facilitate electron transfer between the tarnished silver and aluminum, removing the silver sulfide responsible for tarnish.

Krishan Kumar Dal, a Department Lead at Pearl Academy, clarifies that while the method works, it's not suitable for all types of silver. He warns that it may not be appropriate for antique, oxidized, silver-plated, or jewelry containing pearls, opals, turquoise, coral, or delicate settings. The reaction could strip away finishes, cause uneven discoloration, or damage gemstones and settings.

Dal suggests that for valuable or sentimental jewelry, professional cleaning is a safer alternative. For everyday silver, he recommends washing with mild dish soap and lukewarm water, rinsing, and drying with a soft cloth. If tarnish persists, using a silver-polishing cloth or a cleaner designed for silver is advised.